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Open AccessArticle

Poultry Mites Contributing to Human Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study in Italy (2010–2024)

by Iolanda Moretta, Simona Principato, Leonardo Brustenga and Mario Antonello Principato

Poultry 2025, 4(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry4020021 - 2 May 2025

Viewed by 2813

Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, and Ornithonyssus bursa are ectoparasitic bird mites that affect both avian hosts and humans, causing economic losses in poultry farming and dermatological issues in humans. Due to their small size and transient feeding behaviour, mite-induced dermatitis is [...] Read more.

Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, and Ornithonyssus bursa are ectoparasitic bird mites that affect both avian hosts and humans, causing economic losses in poultry farming and dermatological issues in humans. Due to their small size and transient feeding behaviour, mite-induced dermatitis is often misdiagnosed. In this study, over 4900 cases of entomodermatoses, recorded at the Urania Research Centre and the Department of Veterinary Medicine of Perugia—Parasitology Section between 2010–2024, were analysed, selecting cases linked to bird mites. Data on lesion onset, timing, infestation location, environmental factors, lesion type, and symptoms were examined. Avian Dermanyssoidea mites were responsible for about 4% of dermatological cases, with D. gallinae and O. sylviarum being the most prevalent, while O. bursa was less frequent. Species identification was also based on the morphology of the chelicerae and palps, with cases peaking in spring and summer. These mites were widely distributed across Italy, and Ornithonyssus species caused more severe skin reactions than Dermanyssus. Infestations often involved both genera. This study provides the first large-scale analysis of bird mite infestations in Italy, offering new insights into their distribution, infestation dynamics, and clinical symptoms. The findings contribute to improving diagnostic accuracy, pest control strategies, and public health interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Animals)

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18 pages, 1196 KB

Open AccessReview

Challenges of Dermanyssus gallinae in Poultry: Biological Insights, Economic Impact and Management Strategies

by Péter Sárkány, Zoltán Bagi, Ágnes Süli and Szilvia Kusza

Insects 2025, 16(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010089 - 16 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4453

Abstract

Bird mites are parasites that feed on both wild and domesticated bird species, causing severe degradation in avian welfare. The chicken mite, Dermanyssus gallinae in particular, is a widespread ectoparasite in poultry, responsible for several challenges faced by the poultry industry, including poor [...] Read more.

Bird mites are parasites that feed on both wild and domesticated bird species, causing severe degradation in avian welfare. The chicken mite, Dermanyssus gallinae in particular, is a widespread ectoparasite in poultry, responsible for several challenges faced by the poultry industry, including poor animal health, which causes significant economic losses. This review, based on our current knowledge, aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the biology and distribution of these mites, as well as their impact on poultry health and production. It explores the most prevalent mites in avian species, with a focus on D. gallinae, and examines the different psychological and physiological alterations observed in infected stocks, such as decreased egg production, weight loss, and an increased susceptibility to diseases. This review will also cover existing control strategies, including chemical, biological, and environmental approaches, with attention to the growing concern around pesticide resistance. Additionally, it delves into genetic research conducted on these mites, primarily focusing on phylogenetic studies, which have provided insights into their evolutionary relationships and potential vulnerabilities. By compiling existing studies, this article underscores the urgent need for effective and sustainable countermeasures, as well as further genetic research to mitigate the substantial impact of D. gallinae on the poultry sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical and Livestock Entomology)

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13 pages, 1470 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reproductive Success of Tree Swallows at Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds

by James S. Kellam, Julianna E. Lott, Anna R. Doelling and Isabella Ladisic

Birds 2024, 5(3), 440-452; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5030030 - 10 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1853

Abstract

Abandoned mine drainage treatment ponds could have contrasting effects on the reproductive success of birds living in the vicinity. The ponds and associated vegetation may, like any other body of freshwater, provide beneficial habitats for the insects that the birds use to feed [...] Read more.

Abandoned mine drainage treatment ponds could have contrasting effects on the reproductive success of birds living in the vicinity. The ponds and associated vegetation may, like any other body of freshwater, provide beneficial habitats for the insects that the birds use to feed their young; or instead, the ponds may act as an ecological trap, attracting the birds to a habitat that is poor in quality and negatively impacting their productivity. We monitored nests of an aerial insectivore, the Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), to determine whether the distance between the ponds and the nests affected various reproductive parameters including clutch size, hatch rate, number of nestlings, nestling size and mass, number of fledglings, fledging rate, and fledge date. Data were collected over two breeding seasons (2022 and 2023) from a swallow population in southwestern Pennsylvania, USA. We found that the nests closest to the treatment ponds had significantly more nestlings and fledglings, earlier fledge dates, and a better fledging rate when compared to nests that were more distant from the ponds. However, all these parameters were well below previously published values, which suggests that the mine drainage ponds provide good nesting habitats relative to what is available in the region but that they do not represent high-quality habitats for this species overall. Full article

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15 pages, 924 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution of Dermanyssus gallinae Infestations in Greece and Their Association with Ambient Temperature, Humidity, and Altitude

by Georgios Sioutas, Athanasios I. Gelasakis and Elias Papadopoulos

Pathogens 2024, 13(4), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13040347 - 22 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2256

Abstract

Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite (PRM), is the most prevalent and harmful ectoparasite of laying hens globally. Although prevalence and risk factor studies can help veterinarians make decisions regarding farm treatments, relevant data are scarce. The present study investigated the prevalence [...] Read more.

Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite (PRM), is the most prevalent and harmful ectoparasite of laying hens globally. Although prevalence and risk factor studies can help veterinarians make decisions regarding farm treatments, relevant data are scarce. The present study investigated the prevalence and infestation severity of PRM in poultry farms across Greece and examined potential risk factors. AviVet traps were used to sample 84 farms (51 backyard, 33 industrial) over three years. Farm altitude, temperature, humidity, region, and production systems were assessed as potential risk factors with chi-square tests, initially for all the studied farms and then exclusively for backyard farms. The overall prevalence was 75.0% and was higher in backyard farms (80.4%) compared with industrial ones (66.7%), varying regionally from 66.7 to 90.9%. Altitude and temperature were not significant risk factors, but farms with humidity <60% had a lower infestation risk. Infestation severity did not significantly differ by risk factors. The poultry red mite is highly prevalent across Greek poultry production systems and regions. In the future, global warming, reduced acaricide options, and a ban on cage systems will all threaten a wider spatio-temporal distribution of the PRM, justifying the urgent need for effective monitoring and control methods to protect hen production and welfare and workers’ health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Veterinary Infectious Diseases)

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18 pages, 3784 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Characterization of the Anti-Glutathione S-Transferase Antibody Using an In Vitro Mite Feeding Model

by Shwe Yee Win, Hikari Seo, Fumiya Horio, Sotaro Fujisawa, Jumpei Sato, Yoshinosuke Motai, Takumi Sato, Eiji Oishi, Akira Taneno, Lat Lat Htun, Saw Bawm, Tomohiro Okagawa, Naoya Maekawa, Satoru Konnai, Kazuhiko Ohashi and Shiro Murata

Vaccines 2024, 12(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12020148 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2139

Abstract

Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae, PRMs), tropical fowl mites (Ornithonyssus bursa, TFMs), and northern fowl mites (O. sylviarum, NFMs) are blood-feeding pests that debilitate poultry worldwide. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) plays an important role in the detoxification and drug [...] Read more.

Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae, PRMs), tropical fowl mites (Ornithonyssus bursa, TFMs), and northern fowl mites (O. sylviarum, NFMs) are blood-feeding pests that debilitate poultry worldwide. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) plays an important role in the detoxification and drug metabolism of mites. However, research on avian mite GSTs as vaccine antigens is still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential of avian mite GSTs for vaccine development. We identified GST genes from TFMs and NFMs. We prepared recombinant GST (rGST) from TFMs, NFMs, and PRMs, and assessed their protein functions. Moreover, we evaluated the cross-reactivity and acaricidal effect of immune plasma against each rGST on TFMs, NFMs, and PRMs. The deduced amino acid sequences of GSTs from TFMs and NFMs were 80% similar to those of the PRMs. The rGSTs exhibited catalytic activity in conjugating glutathione to the 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene substrate. Immune plasma against each rGST showed cross-reactivity with rGST from different mite species. Moreover, the survival rate of PRMs fed with immune plasma against the rGST of TFMs and NFMs was significantly lower than that of the control plasma. These results demonstrate the potential application of GST as an antigen for the development of a broad-spectrum vaccine against avian mites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Vaccines and Diagnostic Tools 2.0)

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17 pages, 1130 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Non-Chemical Tools to Control Poultry Hematophagous Mites

by Geralda Gabriele da Silva, Maykelin Fuentes Zaldívar, Lucilene Aparecida Resende Oliveira, Reysla Maria da Silveira Mariano, Daniel Ferreira Lair, Renata Antunes de Souza, Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino, Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli, Denise da Silveira-Lemos, Walderez Ornelas Dutra, Ricardo Nascimento Araújo, Lorena Lopes Ferreira and Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(10), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10100589 - 22 Sep 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3670

Abstract

The blood-sucking mites Dermanyssus gallinae (“red mite”), Ornithonyssus sylviarum (“northern fowl mite”), and Ornithonyssus bursa (”tropical fowl mite”) stand out for causing infestations in commercial poultry farms worldwide, resulting in significant economic damage for producers. In addition to changes in production systems that [...] Read more.

The blood-sucking mites Dermanyssus gallinae (“red mite”), Ornithonyssus sylviarum (“northern fowl mite”), and Ornithonyssus bursa (”tropical fowl mite”) stand out for causing infestations in commercial poultry farms worldwide, resulting in significant economic damage for producers. In addition to changes in production systems that include new concerns for animal welfare, global climate change in recent years has become a major challenge in the spread of ectoparasites around the world. This review includes information regarding the main form of controlling poultry mites through the use of commercially available chemicals. In addition, non-chemical measures against blood-sucking mites were discussed such as extracts and oils from plants and seeds, entomopathogenic fungi, semiochemicals, powder such as diatomaceous earth and silica-based products, and vaccine candidates. The control of poultry mites using chemical methods that are currently used to control or eliminate them are proving to be less effective as mites develop resistance. In contrast, the products based on plant oils and extracts, powders of plant origin, fungi, and new antigens aimed at developing transmission-blocking vaccines against poultry mites provide some encouraging options for the rational control of these ectoparasites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Strategies of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens)

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9 pages, 1736 KB

Open AccessCommunication

In Vivo Evaluation of an Ivermectin and Allicin Combination Treatment for Eradicating Poultry Red Mite

by JeongWoo Kang, MyeongJu Chae, HyunYoung Chae, YongKuk Kwon, JiYoun Lee and Md Akil Hossain

Antibiotics 2023, 12(5), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12050876 - 9 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2971

Abstract

A safe and effective method for eradicating poultry red mite (PRM; Dermanyssus gallinae) is urgently needed, as existing treatments show a low efficacy or hazardous effects on chickens. We evaluated the efficacy of a combined treatment with ivermectin and allicin (IA) against [...] Read more.

A safe and effective method for eradicating poultry red mite (PRM; Dermanyssus gallinae) is urgently needed, as existing treatments show a low efficacy or hazardous effects on chickens. We evaluated the efficacy of a combined treatment with ivermectin and allicin (IA) against PRMs in chickens and drug residues in non-target samples. The efficiency of PRM eradication by IA was compared with those of natural acaricides in vitro. Ivermectin (0.25 mg/mL) + allicin (1 mg/mL) (IA compound) was sprayed on isolator housing hens with PRMs. The PRM mortality rate, clinical symptoms, and ivermectin residue in hens were analyzed. IA showed the highest PRM-eradication efficacy among all tested compounds in vitro. The insecticidal rates of IA were 98.7%, 98.4%, 99.4%, and 99.9% at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of treatment, respectively. After inoculating PRMs, hypersensitivity, itching, and a pale-colored comb were observed in control animals, which were absent in treated hens. No clinical symptoms from IA and ivermectin residues were found in hens. IA effectively exterminated PRMs, demonstrating its potential for industrial use to treat PRMs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobials and Antiparasitics in Animal Health and Production)

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15 pages, 3531 KB

Open AccessArticle

Studies on the Control of Dermanyssus gallinae via High-Voltage Impulse

by Takahisa Ueno, Yuma Mizobe, Junko Ninomiya, Takahiro Inoue, Takashi Furukawa and Takeshi Hatta

Electronics 2023, 12(4), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12041038 - 19 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3251

Abstract

Dermanyssus gallinae, a parasitic mite that subsists on the avian blood of chickens, poses a considerable threat to the poultry industry. D. gallinae infestation can result in a plethora of detrimental effects for the host birds, including decreased egg production and anemia. [...] Read more.

Dermanyssus gallinae, a parasitic mite that subsists on the avian blood of chickens, poses a considerable threat to the poultry industry. D. gallinae infestation can result in a plethora of detrimental effects for the host birds, including decreased egg production and anemia. Pyrethroid pesticides have been the primary means of combating this issue and have demonstrated high levels of efficacy. However, in recent years, D. gallinae has exhibited resistance to these chemicals, resulting in a marked decrease in their mortality; thus, an integrated control strategy in addition to the chemical use should be required for the sustainable control of this mite. This study confirms that D. gallinae can be effectively controlled through the utilization of high-voltage impulse discharges and that various electrical parameters possess optimal values that are required for mite control. The alterations in the body surface of the mite caused by high-voltage impulses were akin to those caused by heat, but no alteration in the elemental composition of the body surface was observed, suggesting a change in organization caused by currents flowing inside the exoskeleton. Comparatively, the mite control efficacy of high-voltage impulse was found to be substantially superior to that of ultraviolet light or ozone, with up to 95% more mites being killed in as little as 30 seconds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Science and Technology of Advanced Electronics, Sensing Systems and AI Applied to Society: Including Collections from the Latest Papers of KRIS 2023)

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13 pages, 9577 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Acaricidal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against the Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)

by Georgios Sioutas, Alexandros Tsouknidas, Athanasios I. Gelasakis, Afrodite Vlachou, Alexandra K. Kaldeli, Maria Kouki, Isaia Symeonidou and Elias Papadopoulos

Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(2), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15020659 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3321

Abstract

Dermanyssus gallinae (PRM) is the most common blood-sucking ectoparasite in laying hens and is resistant against numerous acaricides. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) represent an innovative solution against PRM. The current study aimed to assess the in vitro acaricidal activity of AgNPs against PRM and [...] Read more.

Dermanyssus gallinae (PRM) is the most common blood-sucking ectoparasite in laying hens and is resistant against numerous acaricides. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) represent an innovative solution against PRM. The current study aimed to assess the in vitro acaricidal activity of AgNPs against PRM and describe their potential mechanism of action. Nanoparticles were produced using a wet chemistry approach. Mites were collected using AviVet traps from 18 poultry farms in Greece. Contact toxicity bioassays were carried out for 24 h with negative controls, 20, 40, 60, or 80 ppm AgNPs. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mortality rates of PRM between the control and treatment groups, while LC₅₀, LC₉₀, and LC₉₉ values were estimated using probit regression analysis for the total farms jointly and separately. Nanoparticles displayed strong acaricidal activity, and mortality rates were significantly different between groups and increased by AgNPs concentration. Overall mean LC₅₀, LC₉₀, and LC₉₉ values were 26.5, 58.8, and 112.3 ppm, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy on mites treated with 80 ppm AgNPs revealed cracks in their exoskeleton and limb detachments, presumably resulting from the interaction between AgNPs and the mites’ chitin. Future studies should focus on assessing AgNPs residues in chicken tissues before moving into field trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology)

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8 pages, 260 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vertical Transmission of Salmonella enterica ser. Gallinarum in Dermanyssus gallinae by the Mean of the Baudruche-Based Artificial Feeding Device

by Antonella Schiavone, Nicola Pugliese, Ifra Siddique, Rossella Samarelli, Medhat S. Saleh, Roberto Lombardi, Elena Circella and Antonio Camarda

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1929; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031929 - 2 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2067

Abstract

The poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae is well known for its vectorial role for pathogens, such as Salmonella enterica ser. Gallinarum, the causative agent of fowl typhoid. Here, we ascertained the vertical transmission of S. Gallinarum across the PRM life stages, combining [...] Read more.

The poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae is well known for its vectorial role for pathogens, such as Salmonella enterica ser. Gallinarum, the causative agent of fowl typhoid. Here, we ascertained the vertical transmission of S. Gallinarum across the PRM life stages, combining the Baudruche-based in vitro feeding system and a PRM-fitting DNA extraction and detection method by qPCR. Small-sized pools (4–5 specimens) of adult mites, eggs, larvae, and protonymphs, as well as single eggs, were tested for S. Gallinarum. The pathogen was detected in 89% of adult mites, 5% of single eggs, 17% of pooled eggs, 9% of larvae, and 43% of protonymphs. Additionally, the feeding rate for infected and uninfected mites was similar, while differences in ovipositing and fecundity rate were observed. The method allowed to confirm the infection of mites through the bloodmeal and to strongly suggest the transmission of S. Gallinarum across the PRM life stages. Furthermore, it allows to avoid in vivo studies and it could be useful for further investigating the vectorial role of D. gallinae or other hematophagous arthropods for infectious agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Applied Microbiology)

9 pages, 1059 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Efficacy of In Vitro Lithium Chloride Treatments on Dermacentor reticulatus

by Balázs Kolics, Kinga Mátyás, Izabella Solti, Zsuzsanna Bacsi, Szilvia Kovács, András Specziár, János Taller and Éva Kolics

Insects 2023, 14(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020110 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2155

Abstract

Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabr., 1794) (Acari: Ixodidae) is parasite that spreads many diseases which are dangerous to humans and animals. Microelement lithium was found to have promising potential against the detrimental bee pest Varroa destructor. Furthermore, its effectiveness was confirmed against Dermanyssus gallinae, a [...] Read more.

Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabr., 1794) (Acari: Ixodidae) is parasite that spreads many diseases which are dangerous to humans and animals. Microelement lithium was found to have promising potential against the detrimental bee pest Varroa destructor. Furthermore, its effectiveness was confirmed against Dermanyssus gallinae, a major parasite of poultry, in vitro. In the present study, we investigated whether the efficacy of lithium chloride extends to other parasitic species, such as D. reticulatus. Our results revealed, for the first time, that the effectiveness of lithium chloride extends to D. reticulatus, confirmed to have 100% mortality at a relatively high minimum concentration of 1.38 M in vitro. The 24 h and 48 h median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values proved to be 0.654 M and 0.481 M, respectively, for this species. Our pilot study may contribute to a better understanding of the properties of lithium ion. Furthermore, it may elicit further studies aiming to reveal whether the different environmental mineral conditions may influence the D. reticulatus population. Further studies might reveal whether lithium has any possible veterinary relevance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Advances in Acarology)

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8 pages, 636 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Evaluation of the Acaricidal Activity of Lithium Chloride against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

by Izabella Solti, Éva Kolics, Sándor Keszthelyi, Zsuzsanna Bacsi, Ádám Staszny, Erzsébet Nagy, János Taller, Kinga Mátyás and Balázs Kolics

Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121127 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1879

Abstract

Tetranychus urticae is a severe threat and a major source of yield loss in some agricultural and horticultural crops and it is also as a vector for several viruses. The number of active substances used against the pest is limited. Therefore, there is [...] Read more.

Tetranychus urticae is a severe threat and a major source of yield loss in some agricultural and horticultural crops and it is also as a vector for several viruses. The number of active substances used against the pest is limited. Therefore, there is a continuous need for new active substances. Recently, lithium salts have been shown to be one of the most promising potential alternatives to control Varroa destructor; an apicultural mite pest. Based on this, we aimed to test whether the efficacy of lithium chloride extends to other agricultural mite pests, such as the two-spotted spider mite. In the present pilot study, we report for the first time that the efficacy of lithium chloride is extended to the two-spotted spider mite. Additionally, this is the first report on the acaricidal effectiveness of lithium on a plant mite pest. In the present study, we report three different concentrations that bear 100% mortality at concentrations of 5.52 M, 2.76 M, and 1.38 M. The symptoms caused were similar and followed the same sequence compared to those observed on animal parasites such as V. destructor and Dermanyssus gallinae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Pest Management in Horticultural Production)

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9 pages, 903 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Dermanyssosis in the Urban Context: When the One Health Paradigm Is Put into Practice

by Alessandra Barlaam, Antonella Puccini, Maria Filomena Caiaffa, Danilo Di Bona, Luigi Macchia and Annunziata Giangaspero

Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11121396 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2193

Abstract

Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are primarily ectoparasites of laying hens but also parasitize synanthropic birds in urban contexts. This mite can occasionally attack mammals, including humans, and cause mild to severe dermatitis. Attacks by zoonotic Mesostigmata mites are currently an [...] Read more.

Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are primarily ectoparasites of laying hens but also parasitize synanthropic birds in urban contexts. This mite can occasionally attack mammals, including humans, and cause mild to severe dermatitis. Attacks by zoonotic Mesostigmata mites are currently an increasing but still neglected problem of urban life. The authors present two cases of dermanyssosis involving two health workers at a hospital, linked to air conditioning outdoor units colonized by pigeons. Videos that describe the environmental contamination by D. gallinae and show where the infestation originated are presented. In addition, the authors update the literature of all urban cases, which, to date, reports over 240 clinical cases, mostly in private homes but also in public buildings. Dermatitis due to these mites is often unrecognized and, therefore, misdiagnosed. This report describes how the two cases herein reported were rapidly resolved thanks to the close cooperation between veterinary parasitologists and allergologists. It is crucial to raise awareness of the problem among general practitioners and specialists. In addition, the authors suggest a reconsideration of urban architectural choices that increase the public health risk posed by dermanyssosis and other diseases related to synanthropic birds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod- and Gastropod-Borne Diseases in a One Health Perspective)

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13 pages, 710 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Characterization of the Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) in Poland and a Comparison with European and Asian Isolates

by Sylwia Koziatek-Sadłowska and Rajmund Sokół

Pathogens 2022, 11(11), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11111301 - 6 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1917

Abstract

(1) Background: The blood-feeding mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer 1778) continues to attract wide interest from researchers and bird breeders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of D. gallinae populations in five commercial laying hen farms in Poland [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The blood-feeding mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer 1778) continues to attract wide interest from researchers and bird breeders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of D. gallinae populations in five commercial laying hen farms in Poland and to determine their similarity with isolates from other countries. The study involved an analysis of a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI). A total of 38 isolates obtained from Polish farms and 338 sequences deposited in GenBank were analyzed. (2) Results: Haplotype No. 46 was dominant (90%) in Polish isolates and was homologous with the isolates from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, and South Korea. These results are indicative of high genetic homogeneity and common ancestry of the poultry red mite and point to a common source of infestation in the examined farms. (3) Conclusions: The genetic diversity of D. gallinae should be further studied to promote a better understanding of how this parasite is disseminated within and between countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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9 pages, 1609 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Lithium Chloride Shows Effectiveness against the Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)

by Balázs Kolics, Éva Kolics, Izabella Solti, Zsuzsanna Bacsi, János Taller, András Specziár and Kinga Mátyás

Insects 2022, 13(11), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13111005 - 1 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3086

Abstract

The poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is the main pest of poultry, causing severe problems by being a vector of several animal and human pathogens. The number of miticides is few, and their efficacy in practice implies problems of residues and [...] Read more.

The poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is the main pest of poultry, causing severe problems by being a vector of several animal and human pathogens. The number of miticides is few, and their efficacy in practice implies problems of residues and resistance; therefore, the demand for a new and safe agent is constant. The present publication investigated the effectiveness of lithium chloride under in vitro conditions on poultry red mites. This chemical currently appears to be one of the most promising alternatives to study amongst potential applicants to treat varroosis, a fatal disease of honey bees. In Experiment I, the previously used experimental doses (5.52 M, 2.76 M, 1.38 M) on Varroa mites confirmed their in vitro activity on the poultry red mite. Three event times (uncontrolled movement, immobilisation and death) were recorded to base the response to treatment for each concentration. In Experiment II, the LD 50 value was calculated, i.e., the value at which 50% of the mites were killed by the treatment. This Experiment showed that the LD50 of lithium chloride = 0.265 M in the poultry red mite. It is to note that the study remained restricted to in vitro confirmation of lithium chloride’s effectiveness on the parasite. Thus, further extensive studies are needed to decide whether it has any relevance in practice against D. gallinae, and also to assess potential residue problems that could affect poultry products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmentally-Friendly Pest Control Approaches for Invasive Insects)

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